1924 Dr.Hugo Eckener LZ 126 Zeppelin American Tour Medal

1924 Dr.Hugo Eckener LZ 126 Zeppelin American Tour Medal - Silver, maker marked "L.CHR. LAUER NURNBERG" (Lauer of Nuremburg) and marked "MADE IN GERMANY", obverse illustrating the left-facing bust of Dr. Hugo Eckener, inscribed "Dr. HUGO" to the left and "ECKENER" to the right of the bust, reverse illustrating Zeppelin LZ 126 over Lake Constance and Friedrichshafen, inscribed "AMERIKAFAHRT DES LZ 126 (ZRIII) 1924" (American Tour of LZ 126 (ZR III) 1924) above, listing the stops and dates below in German (depart Friedrichshafen / leave Europe / Fayal, Azores / Sable Island, Nova Scotia / Boston, Massachusetts / New York, New York / Lakehurst, New Jersey), 33.3 mm, contact marks, very fine.
Footnote: The airship ZR-3 was built in Friedrichshafen in 1924 with the original designation LZ 126. Given over to the United States as part of war reparations, she was commissioned into the U.S. Navy, in which she remained in service until 1932. Unlike many sister ships, ZR-3 did not meet with a disastrous end and was finally dismantled in her hanger in 1939, having been the longest serving rigid airship ever operated by the U.S. Navy. Dr. Hugo Eckener (August 10, 1868 - August 14, 1954) was the manager of the Luftschiffbau Zeppelin during the inter-war years, and also the commander of the famous Graf Zeppelin for most of its record-setting flights, including the first airship flight around the world, making him the most successful airship commander in history. He was also responsible for construction of the most successful type if airships of all time.

In copper, maker marked "WD" on the ring, 42.3 mm x 63 mm inclusive of its crown and crossed swords suspension, original independent ribbon, oxidation evident on the obverse arms where they butt the centrepiece and under the crown on both sides, age darkened, better than very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, marked "Bayr. M. V. Kr. / 3.Kl.m.d.Kr." on the lid, maker marked "WEISS & Co. München" on the inside lid, recessed medal bed, light wear and soiling evident on the exterior, case very fin